Cargo carousel system for shipping containers and method for using same

ABSTRACT

A cargo carousel system for shipping containers is provided that can include a frame configured to fit within a shipping container and a cargo carousel mechanism in the frame that can move cargo pod platforms, configured for holding cargo pods, in a continuous loop path in the frame. The system can further include two frames side-by-side in the shipping, each frame with its own cargo carousel system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to International Application No.PCT/CA2015/00237 of the same title filed Apr. 9, 2015, which claimspriority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/984,391 filed 25Apr. 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this application inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to the field of logistics, inparticular, cargo carousel systems for use with shipping containers, andmethods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

Intermodal shipping containers are used to ship goods all over theworld, wherein the containers can be transported by ship, rail, truck orany combination thereof. While standardized, they can come in a varietyof lengths, widths, heights and configurations to accommodate varioustypes of goods. Shipping containers can also include detachable trailercontainers used in tractor-trailer units and cargo boxes attached totruck frames, such as on “cube vans” and “moving vans”.

In the practical use of such containers, they are often underutilizedwhen loaded with cargo or packaged goods. In addition, packaged goodsstacked within the containers can shift within the container causingdamage to the goods contained therein. Boxed goods can also be crushedby other goods stacked above them, again causing damage to the goodscontained therein.

The procurement and fulfillment networks of global trading companies arebecoming increasingly complex. Today it's not just multinationalcorporations who manage global supply chains—there are hardly anymedium-sized businesses left, which don't have customers or suppliers inAsia, the U.S. and/or Latin America. Additional challenges arise throughcontinuously increasing numbers of supply chain partners, complexdistribution channels and diverse product portfolios, as well as highermarket standards and customer expectations regarding on-time deliveriesand quality of service.

Based on this complexity, online tracking now needs to go far beyond the“track and trace” of a decade ago. It is no longer about simply trackinga shipment from the point of pick-up to the point of delivery, but aboutachieving visibility throughout the entire supply chain, providingtransparency of orders in demand, production, transit, customsclearance, stock, and overall order fulfillment, while monitoring allindividual process steps and making the data available to all relevantsupply chain partners.

As supply chain complexity increases, together with an accelerating paceof business, supply chain visibility becomes critical. Some companiesboast of immediate access to any information they need within their fourwalls; but this is simply no longer a competitive capability. In thequest for faster go-to-market and time-to-customer, real-time,continuous access and visibility is necessary not only within the fourwalls but across the extended supply chain. This remains an elusive goalfor many companies.

As risks in the supply chain continue to occur and customer demandcontinues to be less tolerant of disruptions, more companies arerecognizing the importance of creating and managing a visible supplychain. Although different interpretations and definitions abound, oneway to think of supply chain visibility is: the right information, inactionable detail, on events, orders, inventory, and shipments, up anddown, and end to end, updated and presented in real time. Thisdefinition—ambitious by intention—sets the goal of having visibilitythrough every tier of the supply base, with every supply chain partner,in real time. This means continuous real-time automated presentation ofinformation about such things as a real-time consolidated view ofinventories across the supply chain, real-time stock and materials intransit, event management with real-time alerting and a continuousprojection of future inventory levels from demand, inventory, andfulfillment data.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system for storing and handlinggoods placed in shipping containers to better utilize the spacecontained therein and to prevent damage to goods being shipped in theshipping containers.

SUMMARY

A cargo handling, storage and organization system is provided for use ina shipping container, such as an intermodal shipping container or atruck trailer, as commonly used in shipping goods overseas, on rail andby truck. For the purposes of this application, the term “shippingcontainer” shall mean any shipping container suitable for shipping goodsby any means of transport and shall further include, without limitation,intermodal shipping containers, detachable trailer units for use intractor-trailer units and cargo containers or boxes as affixed to truckframes as used in “cube vans” and “moving vans”, as well known to thoseskilled in the art.

In some embodiments, broadly stated, a cargo handling, storage andorganization system is provided for use in a shipping container, such asan intermodal shipping container or truck trailer, as commonly used inshipping good(s) overseas, on rail and by truck. It can also be stackedin a warehouse in place of racking for storage or backed up to the baydoors of retail stores.

The system can comprise a framework that can be assembled and theninserted into a container or trailer, or installed in-situ in thecontainer or trailer. The system can comprise a conveyer installed inthe upper half of the framework. The conveyor can comprise a roller ateach end, connected by a drive means, such as a chain or the like, thatcan support cargo “pods” or “modules” from both the upper side and lowerside of the conveyor such that the cargo modules are organized in twohorizontal rows along the length of the container. In some versions, twoconveyor systems can be placed side-by-side in the container.

In some embodiments, the system is an industry-changing, disruptivetechnology using two basic old workhorse technologies. Coupling thechain-driven mechanism of an electric garage door opener with thecircular motion of a Ferris wheel that keeps each of its modules in acontinuously upright position they combine to achieve a new productdesigned to increase the efficiency, flexibility, scalability andsustainability of the supply chain.

In some embodiments, the system can comprise a structural frameworkdeveloped to fit inside an existing ISO container or truck trailer(hereinafter, considered one in the same). The framework can be built tofit the size of any container, trailer or truck box and newlymanufactured containers can be custom designed and built to incorporatethe framework's requirements within their current structural design.

What would not be apparent at the first glance of this system are thewireless capabilities within each of the system's modules. Utilizing theopen-faced, cubic design of the modules can allow RFID readers to sensewhatever is within the four foot cubic space of each individual modulewhether it is on a container, in transit, in a warehouse or in a retailstore and, whether items have been loaded or unloaded anywhere or at anytime, it will always know exactly what is within its four foot cubicspace. With a password-protected cloud-based portal, the contents ofeach module can be traced anywhere in the world at any time to determinethe detailed contents of each module at any given point in time. In someembodiments of computer software that can be used in the tracking ofshipment of goods, selecting an icon displayed on a computer screen thatrepresents a desired shipping container can produce a list of eachmodule's contents on the display with details from standardized datasynchronization initiatives like the ECCnet Registry of GS1 and theGlobal Data Synchronization Network (“GDSN”) Network from theGS1/EPCglobal¹ Network, as well known to those skilled in the art. ¹“EPC” stands for Electronic Price Codes

In some embodiments, a separate antenna for each module transmitting tothe onboard Central Processing Unit (“CPU”) the container's own externalantenna can transmit a continuous, real-time duplex satellite feed forthe portal 24/7/365 allowing almost limitless reporting potentialdepending on the size, power and sophistication of the CPU. To overcomethe problems of poor satellite transmission penetration throughbuildings and containers, each module on the container can transmit tothe onboard CPU within the container, which can then transmit to a DAS(Distributed Antenna system) or other in-house routing system when in anindoor transport, distribution or storage facility. From there,transmission can be unlimited. In some embodiments, the system cancomprise an offline back-up battery with transformer capabilities toinsure power is always available from either a tractor while in transit,or can further comprise means to receive power from an 120 AC voltoutlet at a distribution center or retail store, or from the off-lineback-up battery when left alone out in the yard.

In some embodiments, the system can comprise open architecture softwareand an integration engine for sharing content and data betweenbusinesses and their applications with full programme and web-basedapplication programme interface (“API”) in a secure cloud-based portalallowing any program to access, cross-reference and integrate this datawith their enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) or legacy systems whileeliminating antiquated electronic data interchange (“EDI”)methodologies. In some embodiments of use of the system, trading partnercollaborations can be increased through the secure, seamless integrationof the system but, more importantly, collaboration to re-design not onlythe processes and functionality of assets but of entire supply chainscan increase efficiency and cut costs beyond any other effortsimaginable.

In some embodiments, individual modules can be designed as floor displayfixtures for a retail setting, allowing the re-design to go all the wayback to the manufacturing floor. Product can be packaged in the retailfloor display fixture, and shipped directly to the retail store with allproducts tagged and ready for sale. Entire fixtures can then be swappedout as necessary. To further these lines of thinking, considerdeveloping the individual modules as other carousels within the cargocarousel system. In some embodiments, individual items can line up toindividual secure openings in the front or back of the container. Acustomer who orders and pre-pays online can simply go to the containerlocation with the same pre-pay card or a reference number to enter andpick up their item or can have a courier do it for them for immediatedelivery. This is an excellent delivery system for the ever-growing,global problems of urbanization. The same will hold true for roboticautomation in the warehouse. In some embodiments, existing racking canbe replaced a with a geostationary cargo carousel system and the exactlocation of any item can be identified with a simple global positioningsystem (“GPS”) or real-time location system (“RTLS”) built right intothe onboard CPU with a very simple graphical user interface that anyemployee can utilize for cross-docking, pick and pack, etc. and it canall be initiated through telematics without even leaving their office.

In some embodiments, entire warehouses can be retrofitted (no need tobuild new) to handle the loading and unloading of entire containers, notjust their contents. If properly planned, a cargo carousel system canreplace racking in any location (production, distribution center, store,etc.) and be stacked in a stationary position two or three high withelectrical plug-ins and a fully automated, satellite fed system that canbe completely robotic, totally hands-free and functional 24/7.“Lights-out” warehousing is no longer a dream. New warehousing plansmight be eliminated in favor of secure outdoor yards holding nothing butcargo carousel containers stacked as high as necessary. The same can bedone in the parking lot of any retail store, replacing existingback-room storage with more retail space while utilizing multiple cargocarousel containers, either in the parking lot or backed up to baydoors.

The design of the individual modules is what will make each cargocarousel container unique in its own way, and there are countless waysto design the individual modules. They can all be the same or mixed inany combination desired. In some embodiments, a base-level design cancomprise a three-sided design with hinged top and front added with GPSand satellite capabilities. Any other design or software additions canbe developed upon request or as needed.

In some embodiments, the transition of implementing a cargo carouselcontainer system from existing systems can be easy. The system caneliminate pallets, or can continue to use pallets while the transitionis implemented even without the track & trace elements in place whichcan be added at any time. The same can hold true for production,transport, racking, warehouse, distribution center and retail spaceutilization. Unlike the Physical Internet envisioned by Dr. BenoitMontreuil² (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) or otherproposals, a cargo carousel container system does not require hugechanges to existing infrastructure or large cash outlays over extendedperiods of time. It can be utilized immediately with only minor changesto planning and processes and then be more fully integrated over timewithout interruption to current operations. ²https://www.cirrelt.ca/DocumentsTravail/CIRRELT-2011-03.pdf

In some embodiments, a cargo carousel container system can add moreimmediate flexibility to the supply chain while also offering unequalledscalability over time. Need more space? Add another cargo carouselcontainer. Even start-up businesses and ventures can have their ownwarehouse parked in their backyard. Seasonal volume changes can now beeasily absorbed without the need for new warehousing that isunderutilized during regular seasons.

In some embodiments, the cruise/shipping industry could utilizepre-ordered, pre-stocked refrigerated units of cargo carousel containersthat can be exchanged for empty units when the ship comes into port.Naval or other marine fleets could replenish supplies in a much moreefficient manner. Recycling and reverse logistics would be naturalextensions of the system's capabilities. In some embodiments, modulesthat have just been delivered can be exchanged with a pick-up of storereturn or recyclable modules in the same visit without ever leaving thedock while eliminating the need for dock plates or levelers.

In some embodiments, a four cubic-foot module can become a worldshipping standard, and intermodal containers can be designed to handlethem with a cargo carousel system installed therein. The four foot cubeis already used to a large degree in the supply chain. The row height ofmost racking is set at four feet and the uprights are 3.5 feet deep toaccommodate the safety overhang of four foot deep pallets. The airfreight industry already has standardized four foot cubes integratedinto the storage capacity for much of the fleet. The four foot cube isstable, human workable, and fits where it needs to without much changeto infrastructure. The billable charge per unit of transport wouldbecome dimension-based packaging utilizing the four-foot cube model andbe combined with a Distributed Multi-Segment Intermodal Transport systemfor end-to-end efficiency gains.

In some embodiments, broadly stated, the technology components for acargo carousel container system can comprise:

connectivity: real-time, business-to-business network;

data repository;

supplier and/or other portals;

alerting/event management capability;

reporting/metrics;

display/presentation: views, dashboards, often role based, updated inreal time;

business process customization;

mobile capability;

wireless technology;

social capabilities;

configurable analytics; and

role-based security.

In 2014 and beyond, expect to see more supply chain vendors respondingto end users' needs for more robust visibility capabilities in everyaspect of their supply chains. While visibility deep into the supplierbase has been a particular challenge, end users are increasingly lookingfor visibility across every stage of their supply chain, from betterdemand signals, and supplier audits to track-and-trace capabilities, tologistics tracking. Bringing a cargo carousel container system into thegreater supply chain planning process offers tremendous strategic andperformance potential. By leveraging the cargo carousel container systemas a callable capability and incorporating it into downstreamtransportation and upstream supply chain workflows, companies canimprove asset utilization, use fewer trucks, drive fewer miles, havefewer empty backhauls, reduce fuel costs, enhance distribution/retailingoperations and increase recycling around the world by an order ofmagnitude.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a cargo carousel system is providedfor use in shipping containers, wherein the system can comprise: acarousel frame configured to be disposed in a shipping container; atleast one cargo carousel mechanism disposed within the carousel frame,the at least one cargo carousel mechanism configured to releasablyreceive a plurality of cargo pod platforms, the at least one cargocarousel mechanism further configured to move the plurality of cargo podplatforms through a continuous loop path comprising a substantiallyhorizontal upper path and a substantially horizontal lower path, theupper path disposed substantially aligned above and parallel to thelower path, wherein the cargo pod platforms can be attached to the atleast one cargo carousel mechanism in a spaced-apart configuration alongthe continuous loop path; and a motor operatively coupled to the atleast one cargo carousel mechanism, the motor configured to operate theat least one cargo carousel mechanism wherein the plurality of cargo podplatforms can move along the continuous loop path within the frame.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the carousel frame can furthercomprise a space frame.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the carousel frame can furthercomprise a left frame portion and a right frame portion.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each of the left and right frameportions can further comprise one of the at least one cargo carouselmechanism.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the at least one cargo carouselmechanism can further comprise: a pair of substantially parallel andhorizontal axles, each axle disposed at opposing ends of the frame, eachaxle further comprising a sheave disposed at opposing ends of the axle,the sheaves on one axle substantially aligned with the sheaves on theother axle; a pair of continuous loop transport mediums disposed betweenthe axles, the continuous loop transport mediums disposed on thesheaves, wherein the pair of continuous loop transport mediums aresubstantially parallel to each other; and the motor operatively coupledto at least one of the sheaves disposed on one of the axles.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each continuous loop transportmedium can further comprise a plurality of cargo pod receivers.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of cargo podplatforms can comprise: a hanger rod configured to releasably attach toeach of the pair of continuous loop transport mediums via the pluralityof cargo pod receivers; and a pod platform suspended from the hanger rodby suspension cables, belts or chains.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each of the pair of continuous looptransport mediums can further comprise one or more of a group consistingof a cable, a belt and a roller chain.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the sheaves can further compriseone or more of a group consisting of cable pulleys, belt pulleys androller chain sprockets.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, at least one cargo carouselmechanism can further comprise a pair of roller guides, each rollerguide disposed adjacent to one of the continuous loop transport medium,wherein the roller guides form the continuous loop path.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of cargo podplatforms can further comprise: a hanger rod configured to releasablyattach to the pair of continuous loop transport mediums, the hanger rodfurther comprising rollers disposed on opposing ends thereof, therollers configured to move along the roller guides; and a pod platformsuspended from the hanger rod by suspension cables, belts or chains.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, each of the roller guides canfurther comprise an opening configured for ingress of the rollersthereto and egress of the rollers therefrom.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise atleast one cargo pod configured to be placed on any of the plurality ofcargo pod platforms.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the at least one cargo pod canfurther comprise a second cargo carousel mechanism disposed therein.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, an improved shipping container isprovided, wherein the improvement can comprise a cargo carousel systemdisposed in the shipping container, the cargo carousel system comprisingany or all of the features, elements or characteristics as describedabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view depicting a right side framework for acargo carousel system for shipping containers.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view depicting a left side framework for acargo carousel system for shipping containers.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view depicting the right and leftframeworks of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, joined together to form adual framework for a cargo carousel system for shipping containers.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view depicting the framework of FIG. 1comprising a cargo carousel mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view depicting the framework of FIG. 2comprising a cargo carousel mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view depicting the cargo carousel mechanismof FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 with cargo pod platforms attached thereto.

FIG. 7 is an end cross-section view depicting the cargo carouselmechanism of FIG. 6 along section lines B-B.

FIG. 8 is an end cross-section view depicting the cargo carouselmechanism of FIG. 6 along section lines A-A.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view depicting a cargo pod suspension axlebeing received into the cargo carousel mechanism of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting a cargo pod platform for usewith a cargo carousel system for shipping containers.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting a cargo pod for use with thecargo pod platform of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view depicting the framework of FIG. 4loaded with a plurality of cargo pod platforms of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view depicting the framework of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an end elevation view depicting the framework of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an end elevation view depicting the framework of FIG. 14 witha mini-cargo carousel system attached to a cargo pod platform.

FIG. 16 is perspective view depicting the mini-cargo carousel system ofFIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an embodiment of the frame that can beused with a cargo carousel system is shown. In FIG. 1, right frameportion 10 is shown. In FIG. 2, left frame portion 12 is shown. In FIG.3, combined frame 14 is shown, comprised of right frame portion 10joined together with left frame portion 12. In some embodiments, frameportions 10 and 12 can comprise lattice or space frame structures orconfigurations. In other embodiments, frame portions 10 and 12 can becomprised of structural steel or other suitable material, as well knownto those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, system 100 is shown, with right side frameportion 10 shown with right cargo carousel mechanism 15 disposedtherein. Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates system 100 with left side frameportion 12 having left cargo carousel mechanism 39 disposed therein. Insome embodiments, right cargo carousel mechanism 15 can comprise leftrear sheave 16 and right rear sheave 18 rotatably connected to frameportion 10 via rear axle 32, and can further comprise left front sheave20 and right front sheave 22 rotatably connected to frame portion 10 viafront axle 34. In some embodiments, continuous loop transport medium 26can loop around left rear and front sheaves 16 and 20, and continuousloop transport medium 24 can loop around right rear and front sheaves 18and 22. Similarly, left cargo carousel mechanism 39 can comprise leftrear sheave 40 and right rear sheave 42 rotatably connected to frameportion 12 via rear axle 56, and can further comprise left front sheave44 and right front sheave 46 rotatably connected to frame portion 12 viafront axle 58. In some embodiments, continuous loop transport medium 50can loop around left rear and front sheaves 40 and 44, and continuousloop transport medium 48 can loop around right rear and front sheaves 42and 46. For the purposes of this application, sheaves 16, 18, 20, 22,40, 42, 44 and 46 can comprise one or more of a group consisting ofcable pulleys, toothed belt pulleys, untoothed belt pulleys and rollerchain sprockets, although any functionally equivalent sheave as wellknown to those skilled in the art can be used. In addition, continuousloop transport mediums 24, 26, 48 and 50 can comprise one or more of agroup consisting of a cable, a toothed belt, an untoothed belt and aroller chain, although any functionally equivalent continuous looptransport medium as well known to those skilled in the art can be used.Further, continuous loop transport mediums 24, 26, 48 and 50 can definea continuous loop path when axles 32, 34, 56 and 58 are rotating. Insome embodiments, the continuous loop path is disposed in asubstantially vertical plane wherein the continuous loop path comprisesa substantially horizontal upper path that is substantially align withand parallel to a substantially horizontal lower path.

In some embodiments, right cargo carousel mechanism 15 can comprise aroller guide disposed within the frame, which can comprise curvedc-channel portions 28, 30, 36 and 38, and straight c-channel portions 31extending therebetween. Similarly, left cargo carousel mechanism 39 cancomprise a roller guide disposed within the frame, which can comprisecurved c-channel portions 52, 54, 60 and 62 and straight c-channelportions 31 extending therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 6, one embodiment of cargo carousel mechanism 15 (or39) is shown. In some embodiments, continuous loop transport mediums 24and 26 (or 48 and 50) can comprise a plurality of grooved receivers 72disposed thereon, configured to receive the ends of pod or module hangerrods 68. In some embodiments, each pod or module can comprise of hangerrod 68 and platform 66 suspended therefrom with support means 64. Forthe purposes of this specification, support means 64 can comprise one ormore of a group consisting of chains, cables, ropes and any other meansconfigured for suspending platform 66 as well known by those skilled inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, one embodiment of the means forsupporting a hanger rod 68 in a roller guide is shown. In someembodiments, hanger rod 68 can comprise roller 70 rotatably disposedthereon, which can be configured to roll within roller guides 28, 30, 52and 54. Hanger rod 68 can be configured to slide into groove 73 disposedon receivers 72. Rollers 70 and, hence, hanger rods 68 can be placed onor removed from receivers 72 by passing through opening 37 disposed oncurved c-channel portions 36, 38, 60 and 62.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in some embodiments, a pod platform 66 canbe placed in an enclosed cargo pod container 74, comprising hinged toppanel 75 and hinged front panel 77 to enclose pod platform 66 whenplaced therein by a forklift 69, as an example.

Referring to FIG. 12, a side view of cargo carousel mechanism 39 isshown in frame 12 with a plurality of pod platforms 66 supportedthereon. In some embodiments, cargo carousel mechanism 39 can beoperated to move the plurality of pod platforms 66 around thereabout bymotor 78 rotating sheave 40 via belt 79 coupled between pulley disposedon sheave 40 and pulley 75 disposed on motor 78 that, in turn, advancescontinuous loop transport medium 50. In FIG. 13, a top plan view isprovided showing two cargo carousel mechanisms disposed side-by-side intheir respective frames 10 and 12, making up combined frame 14. An endelevation view of this embodiment is shown (not to scale) in standardshipping container 8, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, another embodiment of system 100 is shown.In this embodiment, a mini-carousel mechanism 83 can be placed into thesystem in place of a single pod platform 66. In some embodiments,mini-carousel mechanism 83 can comprise a miniaturized or scaled-downversion of system 100 that can be configured to fit within the volumeoccupied by a single pod platform 66. In some embodiments, mechanism 83can either comprise a single frame or two frames configured in aside-by-side configuration. In some embodiments, mechanism 83 cancomprise frame 85 that can be supported from a hanger rod 68 via supportmeans 64. Within frame 85, a plurality of mini-pod platforms 84 can besuspended from hanger rods 86 via support means 82, similar to supportmeans 64. In some embodiments, hanger rods 86 can be releasably attachedto continuous loop transport medium 90 that runs around a plurality ofsheaves 90 configured to form a carousel.

In respect of possible uses for system 100, in some embodiments, system100 can be used, without limitation, in one or more of the followingapplications:

-   -   storage and transportation of clothing    -   storage and transportation of fruits or vegetables    -   storage and transportation of random-sized boxes and containers    -   stacked containers in warehouse or outdoors for deep storage and        retrieval of stored goods    -   for use in Unmanned Automated Vehicle systems for loading or        unloading of containers using GPS technology for automated        “lights-out” warehousing    -   for use in storage and transportation of recyclables or store        returns that can be placed in empty positions in the carousel        when at a loading dock    -   for storage and transportation of supplies or munitions to/from        marine vehicles such as cruise or military ships    -   for storage and retrieval of goods at a retail store location        for automated customer pick-up    -   for storage and retrieval of goods at a high-rise residential        building or retail mall location with a digital keyboard for        automated customer pick-up akin to a large vending machine    -   for use in courier or postal applications for deliveries and        pick-ups of mail, parcels, etc. from the same location    -   for use with enclosed and locked modules from different shippers        to be shipped in the same container or truck for collaborative        transport for small volume shippers    -   to eliminate the use of wooden pallets, thus saving natural        resources and weight in the shipping container    -   to ease cross-docking of goods from one truck to another at the        same warehouse    -   to eliminate empty backhauls of trucks, thus saving the burning        of fossil fuels unnecessarily and decreasing distances traveled    -   to increase utilization of the storage space within the        container, thus saving the burning of fossil fuels unnecessarily        and decreasing distances traveled    -   for storage and transportation of goods that are easily crushed,        by double stacking within the carousels    -   for storage and transportation of goods that are refrigerated by        adding refrigeration units to containers    -   for use as extra storage facilities for goods at a retail store        location for seasonal or peak periods    -   for use with RFID technology affixed to each module to identify        goods within a module anywhere in the world at any time    -   for use as retail display fixtures with goods and merchandise        already situated in the container    -   for use with security systems requiring digital keypad control        and access to start and stop the carousel to thwart theft of        goods from the container, wherein access to any modules beyond        the first modules is extremely difficult    -   for storage and transportation of military supplies, arms and        munitions to and from war theatres    -   to reduce or eliminate of complete distribution centres by        providing stackable, weatherproof, temperature controlled        containers in multiple, secure, fenced yards inside or outside        urban centres    -   to minimize freight damage of goods as modules cannot be        overstacked or shift within containers during transport    -   for use in recycling programs by providing separate modules in a        container for different recyclable materials or goods

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications can be made to these embodiments without changing ordeparting from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms andexpressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention inthe use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognizedthat the invention is defined and limited only by the claims thatfollow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cargo carousel system for use in shippingcontainers, the system comprising: a) a carousel frame configured to bedisposed in a shipping container; b) at least one cargo carouselmechanism disposed within the carousel frame, the at least one cargocarousel mechanism configured to releasably receive a plurality of cargopod platforms, the at least one cargo carousel mechanism furtherconfigured to move the plurality of cargo pod platforms through acontinuous loop path comprising a substantially horizontal upper pathand a substantially horizontal lower path, the upper path disposedsubstantially aligned above and parallel to the lower path, wherein thecargo pod platforms can be attached to the at least one cargo carouselmechanism in a spaced-apart configuration along the continuous looppath; c) a motor operatively coupled to the at least one cargo carouselmechanism, the motor configured to operate the at least one cargocarousel mechanism wherein the plurality of cargo pod platforms can movealong the continuous loop path within the frame; and d) at least onecargo pod configured to be placed on any of the plurality of cargo podplatforms; wherein the at least one cargo pod comprises a second cargocarousel mechanism disposed therein.
 2. The cargo carousel system as setforth in claim 1, wherein the carousel frame comprises a left frameportion and a right frame portion.
 3. The cargo carousel system as setforth in claim 2, wherein each of the left and right frame portionscomprises one of the at least one cargo carousel mechanism.
 4. The cargocarousel system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one cargocarousel mechanism comprises: a) a pair of substantially parallel andhorizontal axles, each axle disposed at opposing ends of the frame, eachaxle further comprising a sheave disposed at opposing ends of the axle,the sheaves on one axle substantially aligned with the sheaves on theother axle; b) a pair of continuous loop transport mediums disposedbetween the axles, the continuous loop transport mediums disposed on thesheaves, wherein the pair of continuous loop transport mediums aresubstantially parallel to each other; and c) the motor operativelycoupled to at least one of the sheaves disposed on one of the axles. 5.The cargo carousel system as set forth in claim 4, wherein eachcontinuous loop transport medium comprises a plurality of cargo podreceivers.
 6. The cargo carousel system as set forth in claim 5, whereineach of the plurality of cargo pod platforms comprise: a) a hanger rodconfigured to releasably attach to each of the pair of continuous looptransport mediums via the plurality of cargo pod receivers; and b) a podplatform suspended from the hanger rod by suspension cables, belts orchains.
 7. The cargo carousel system as set forth in claim 4, whereineach of the pair of continuous loop transport mediums comprises one ormore of a group consisting of a cable, a belt and a roller chain.
 8. Thecargo carousel system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the sheavescomprise one or more of a group consisting of cable pulleys, beltpulleys and roller chain sprockets.
 9. The cargo carousel system as setforth in claim 4, wherein the at least one cargo carousel mechanismfurther comprises a pair of roller guides, each roller guide disposedadjacent to one of the continuous loop transport medium, wherein theroller guides form the continuous loop path.
 10. The cargo carouselsystem as set forth in claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of cargopod platforms comprises: a) a hanger rod configured to releasably attachto the pair of continuous loop transport mediums, the hanger rod furthercomprising rollers disposed on opposing ends thereof, the rollersconfigured to move along the roller guides; and b) a pod platformsuspended from the hanger rod by suspension cables, belts or chains. 11.The cargo carousel system as set forth in claim 10, wherein each of theroller guides comprises an opening configured for ingress of the rollersthereto and egress of the rollers therefrom.
 12. A shipping containercomprising a cargo carousel system as defined in claim 1.